flickering tealight house
Set a twinkling scene with this clay project
Looking to add a DIY touch to your Christmas styling? Then try your hand at our simple project and create your own tealight holder in just three easy steps.
We’re big fans of air-drying clay – there’s no mess and there’s no baking required, plus it’s the perfect material for smaller projects. Inspired by the above design from The Contemporary Home in Vickie’s house, our version is easy to make yourself at home. Read on for our step-by-step tutorial.
1Take a large piece of clay and roll it out onto a flat surface until it measures approximately 10 x 12cm. The thickness should be around 3-4mm. Be careful to use the rolling pin evenly across the clay to ensure an equal thickness over the whole piece and smooth out any uneven areas as you go. Ideally, you want the surfaces to look as uniform as possible.
2Using a ruler and scalpel, cut a house shape from the rolled clay measuring 7cm wide x 10cm high (at the top point of the house). Roll out the clay again and use it to make a side piece of the house. Repeat to make another side piece (the back is left open so the house has just three walls) and two roof pieces that will fit in with these measurements.
3Cut out windows from the front and side pieces. Leave everything to dry for 24hrs or as directed on the packaging. Use a dab of water and Gorilla Glue to assemble the pieces together and build your house shape, holding in place and then leaving to dry each time the glue is setting.
SAFETY NOTE Never leave a burning candle unattended.
Ensure your pieces are cut accurately and with straight lines to make it Easier to line them up when you come to assembling them